John R. Graeter, 88, passed away from this life on May 29, 2024, following an accident which resulted in serious injuries causing his death.

John was a beloved and devoted husband, father, and friend to all. He was born May 20, 1936, to John R. Graeter, Sr. and Naomi Miller Graeter. His wife of 66 years Barbara (Bushong) Graeter, survives him, along with his son Tim, married to Rachel Cantwell, and his sister Sandra Gilpin and her husband John of Hanover.

A lifetime resident of Lancaster, he was a proud graduate of J.P. McCaskey High School in 1954 and Penn State York in 1956 with an associate's degree in mechanical engineering. He began his career at DeWalt/Black and Decker as a draftsman, followed by Armstrong/Kerr, and Grinnell in engineering positions and he retired from Herr & Sacco Mechanical Contractors in 2000 as a Project Manager after 22 years of employment.

John loved to tie flies and go fly fishing with his sons, cousin Jack, and his brother-in-law John, and back in the day, to go on ski trips to Vermont and Colorado, horseback trips in Colorado, traveling within the United States and Canada and some cruises. Above all, though, 37 years of Penn State football season tickets and many other sporting events were what he liked most. "We Are!"

He was a lifelong member of St. John's Episcopal Church where he served as an usher for several years and of the Lancaster Lions Club which presented him with the Melvin Jones and Ralph Taylor awards.

In addition to his wife, sister, and son and daughter-in-law, John is also survived and will be missed by his granddaughter Claire and step-grandchildren, Lindsey, Emily, Audrey, and Hanna, and five great-grandchildren, along with many treasured cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his parents and his much-loved son Chris who passed away in 2015, and by Chris' wife Julie.

A memorial service will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church, 321 W. Chestnut St., Lancaster, PA 17603 on Friday, June 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. John's family will receive friends from 10 to 11:00 a.m. Inurnment will follow in the church columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, John would like his friends and family to do a good deed for someone. If so desired, memorial contributions would be gratefully received by St. John's or a charity of your choice.